A song of ascents. Of David.
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Psalm 133 (NIV)
July 18, 1996, marks the 25th Anniversary of the Oakfield Tornados. Two tornados swept through the town in rapid succession, destroying businesses, homes and two churches, Oakfield United Methodist Church and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. The offering plates of the United Method Church were found in the rubble of the Lutheran Church. The Lutherans returned the plates to Oakfield UMC filled with a substantial love offering. Even in the midst of their own loss, they remained generous. Oakfield displays the battered offering plates as reminder of the capacity to be generous toward one another even in challenging circumstances. How good and pleasant, indeed!
In 2007, I visited Wroclaw, Poland. While standing in a synagogue, I heard our guide tell our group of pastoral counselors that the nearby Roman Catholic Church replaced the synagogue roof which was bombed during World War II. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity…for there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Each day that God gives us the opportunity to live, we have the opportunity to love and serve. We have a choice as to how we will spend our time and resources. As for me and my house, we will strive to serve the Lord.
Merciful and gracious God, guide, encourage me and sustain me that I may live and serve you faithfully today, mindful of the needs of my neighbors. Help me to live in unity with your people. Amen.
Kate Croskery Jones